Because metal prints are heavy as compared to photo paper, canvas, or plexiglass, most people prefer to use aluminum museum mounts to hang their prints. However, there are other options such as traditional framing and float mounts, typically reserved for smaller applications.
What options are there for hanging a metal print?
For prints 12” x 18” and below, you can mount it to your wall in two different ways: via a float mount or museum mount.
- Float mount – A metal print that uses a float mount has a square of metal that is welded to the back that sticks out and can be affixed to the wall using a strong double-sided adhesive pad.
- Museum mount – What you’ll see in a museum with metal prints, where you hang an aluminum strip on the wall and then rest the metal print on that strip.
For metal prints larger than 12″ x 18″ it’s not advised to use a float mount because the weight of the metal print is too heavy to reliably stick to the wall.
How do you hang a metal print?
If your print is larger than 12″ x 18″ and you want to hang it on your wall the way professional art installations do at museums, you can use an aluminum museum mount. It’s an easy six-step process to hang your metal prints:
- Step 1: Hold the print on the wall where you want to hang it and mark the top and sides with a pencil.
- Step 2: Mark on the wall the distance from the top of the print to where the wall mounts will be drilled into the wall, typically around two inches from the top.
- Step 3: Measure, level and mark the vertical distance between where the wall mounts will be attached to the wall.
- Step 4: Drill holes and install wall anchors (if necessary).
- Step 5: Install the aluminum mount to the wall by screwing it into the holes you just made and double-check that it’s level.
- Step 6: Hang your print by lifting and then lowering it into place so that it rests on the aluminum mount on the wall.
What tools & materials are needed to hang a metal print?
Most people will have these tools on hand and most metal prints come with the option to add an aluminum museum mount when they’re delivered so you’ll probably have what you need to hang a metal print. Specifically, to hang a metal print you’ll need:
- Museum mount – Be sure to select this hanging option when customizing your print.
- Drill – To create holes in the wall and screw fasteners tight.
- Tape Measure – To measure where holes and the print will hang.
- Level – To make sure your print isn’t hung crooked.
- Pencil – To mark your spots on the wall.
- Wall anchors & screws – To securely fasten your print to the wall.
